Monitoring system

ABSTRACT

A monitoring system includes at least one sensor, at least one monitoring camera, a power control apparatus, a master device that is connected to a fixed telephone network so as to perform calls to other fixed telephones, and a mobile phone terminal that is connected to other mobile phones via a mobile phone network. A master device instructs the power control apparatus to supply power depending on whether or not an event is detected by at least two of the sensors and the monitoring cameras, and the power control apparatus supplies power to the connected apparatus on the basis of a power supply instruction from the master device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a monitoring system.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the related art, there is a monitoring system using a camera, asensor, and the like (for example, refer to Japanese Patent UnexaminedPublication No. 2007-323533). The monitoring system includes amonitoring device and a monitoring server.

The monitoring device includes image capturing means, sound input andoutput means, and target recognition means such as a human sensor. Theimage capturing means captures an image of a monitoring target in amonitoring space. The sound input and output means outputs sound to themonitoring target and receives sound from the monitoring target. Thetarget recognition means outputs a target recognition signal when themonitoring target is recognized.

The monitoring server includes reception means, acquisition means, andcommunication means. The reception means receives the target recognitionsignal from the monitoring device. The acquisition means acquires videoinformation captured by the image capturing means and audio informationobtained through the sound input by the sound input and output means onthe basis of the reception of the target recognition signal by thereception means. The communication means transmits a connection requestto an information terminal of a registered user in a case where thetarget recognition signal is received by the reception means. Thecommunication means transmits the video information and the audioinformation acquired by the acquisition means to the informationterminal by using bidirectional communication between the monitoringdevice and the information terminal, established when the informationterminal responds to the connection request, and receives videoinformation and audio information from the information terminal andtransmits the information to the monitoring device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2007-323533, a dedicatedsystem is necessary as a monitoring system, and a lot of labor and costare required to introduce a monitoring system. For example, if a smartplug is provided which automatically turns on a power source of lightingequipment or the like when a dweller returns home, and detectionaccuracy of a sensor is low, a target (for example, a person) may not beaccurately recognized on the basis of detection performed by a singlesensor (a human sensor or the like), and the power supply of thelighting equipment or the like may not be turned on. In this case,convenience of the monitoring system is not sufficient.

The present invention has been made in consideration of thecircumstances, and provides a monitoring system, which is convenient touse, and which can improve a user's convenience at low cost by using anexisting fixed telephone.

According to the present invention, there is provided a monitoringsystem including at least one sensor; at least one monitoring camerathat includes a microphone, a speaker, and an image capturing unit; apower control apparatus that has a communication function, and suppliespower to a connected apparatus or cuts off the supply of power; a masterdevice that performs communication with the monitoring camera, thesensor, and the power control apparatus, and is connected to a fixedtelephone network so as to perform calls to other fixed telephones; anda mobile phone terminal that performs wireless communication with themaster device by using a wireless router, and is connected to othermobile phones via a mobile phone network, in which the master deviceinstructs the power control apparatus to supply power depending onwhether or not an event is detected by at least two of the sensors andthe monitoring cameras, and in which the power control apparatussupplies power to the connected apparatus on the basis of a power supplyinstruction from the master device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide amonitoring system, which is convenient to use, and which can improve auser's convenience at low cost by using an existing fixed telephone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a monitoringcamera system of an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of amaster device of the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of acordless slave device of the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of acamera of the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of asensor of the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of asmartphone of the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of asmart plug of the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of themonitoring camera system in a case where the smartphone acquires imagedata or audio data from the camera and then outputs the data in theembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a settingscreen of the smartphone for generating a setup table in the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setup tablein the embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example of themonitoring camera system when setup information is set and variousevents are detected in the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of monitoringcamera system 5 of the present embodiment. Monitoring camera system 5 ismainly provided in house 8, and includes master device 10, two cordlessslave devices 20A and 20B (hereinafter, simply referred to as “slavedevices”), a plurality of cameras 30 (specifically, indoor camera 30A,monitoring camera 30B, . . . ), various sensors 40 (specifically, humansensors 40A and 40B, smoke sensor 40C, opening/closing sensor 40D, . . .), smartphone 50, wireless router 60, and a plurality of smart plugs(smart plug 80, . . . ). Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, each smartplug 80 is electrically connected to an electric apparatus (for example,an air conditioner or lighting equipment) which is disposed in thehouse. A configuration of monitoring camera system 5 is only an exampleand may be modified in various aspects.

Master device 10 which functions as a gateway in monitoring camerasystem 5 is a control device which controls the entire operation ofmonitoring camera system 5, and is connected to the slave devices, thecameras, the sensors, the smart plugs, and the like in a communicablemanner by using a communication method such as digital enhanced cordlesstelecommunications (DECT). Master device 10 is connected to the Internet65 via wireless router 60 using a wireless LAN. Master device 10 isconnected to fixed telephone network 85 in a wired manner and canperform a call to fixed telephone 800. Master device 10 has a functionof charging slave device 20A which is inserted into insertion port 10 a.

Slave devices 20A and 20B are connected to master device 10 in the DECTcommunication method and can perform a call to master device 10.Particularly, in a case where two slave devices 20A and 20B are notrequired to be differentiated from each other, the slave devices arecollectively referred to as slave device 20.

Various sensors 40 (specifically, human sensors 40A and 40B, smokesensor 40C, opening/closing sensor 40D, . . . ) are connected to masterdevice 10 in the DECT communication method. Herein, as sensors,opening/closing sensor 40D which detects opening and closing of awindow, smoke sensor 40C which detects smoke, and human sensors 40A and40B which detect a person with infrared rays are used. Particularly, ina case where the sensors are not required to be differentiated from eachother, the sensors are collectively referred to as sensor 40. As will bedescribed later, infrared sensor 313 (refer to FIG. 4) built into camera30 is also used as a human sensor.

A plurality of cameras (specifically, indoor camera 30A, monitoringcamera 30B, . . . ) have a call function and are connected to masterdevice 10 in the DECT communication method. Herein, as cameras,monitoring camera 30B which captures an image of an outdoor environment,and indoor camera 30A which captures an image of house 8, are used.Particularly, in a case where the cameras are not required to bedifferentiated from each other, the cameras are collectively referred toas camera 30.

Smartphone 50 is connected to master device 10 via wireless router 60using a wireless LAN, and is connected to mobile phone 70 or othersmartphones via mobile phone network 75 using a communication methodsuch as the third generation (3G) method, a high speed package access(HSPA) method, or a long term evolution (LTE) method.

Smart plugs 80 have a wireless communication function using DECT, andare connected to master device 10 by using a wireless communicationmethod such as DECT. Smart plugs 80 are electrically connected toelectric apparatuses (for example, an air conditioner, lightingequipment, camera 30, and sensor 40) disposed in house 8, and supplypower to the electric apparatus which is connected to each smart plug 80during an operation mode and do not supply power to the electricapparatus which is connected to each smart plug 80 during an operationstop mode.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration ofmaster device 10. Master device 10 includes control unit 109, storageunit 103, operation unit 105, and display unit 106. Master device 10receives various input operations and displays information such as animage on display unit 106. Control unit 109 has a call control portion110 and an audio stream processing portion 112 built thereinto, andperforms call control during calling, processing of audio data, and thelike.

Master device 10 includes image memory control unit 115 and image memory116, and stores image data or the like captured by camera 30 in imagememory 116.

Master device 10 includes wireless LAN control unit 121 and wireless LANcommunication I/F unit 122, and transmits and receives image data andaudio data to and from smartphone 50, camera 30, and the like viawireless router 60 connected over a wireless LAN.

Master device 10 includes DECT protocol control unit 108 and DECTwireless I/F unit 107, and performs wireless connection to slave device20, sensor 40, and camera 30 by using a wireless method such as digitalenhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT).

Master device 10 includes audio bus 117, sound input/output control unit104, speaker 129, and microphone 128, and performs input and output ofsound to and from an external device.

Master device 10 includes fixed telephone line I/F unit 101, and canperform a call to external fixed telephone 800 connected to fixedtelephone network 85.

Master device 10 includes slave device/portable terminal charging unit126 and charges slave device 20 or smartphone 50 inserted into insertionport 10 a.

Master device 10 includes USB communication I/F unit 127, and transmitsand receives data to and from an apparatus, a memory, or the like havingan interface of a universal serial bus (USB) standard.

Master device 10 registers pairs of various sensors 40 (specifically,human sensors 40A and 40B, smoke sensor 40C, and opening/closing sensor40D) and the plurality of cameras 30 in storage unit 103 in correlationwith each other. For example, human sensor 40B and monitoring camera 30Bare installed at close locations outdoors and are thus registered incorrelation with each other. Monitoring camera 30B, as will be describedlater, integrally has infrared sensor 313 (refer to FIG. 4) which is ahuman sensor and is built thereinto, and is thus also registered incorrelation with infrared sensor 313. Human sensor 40A, smoke sensor40C, and opening/closing sensor 40D are all installed inside house 8 andare thus registered in correlation with indoor camera 30A.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of(cordless) slave device 20. Slave device 20 includes control unit 247,storage unit 242, operation unit 244, and display unit 245. Slave device20 receives various input operations and displays information such as animage on display unit 245.

Slave device 20 includes DECT protocol control unit 249 and DECTwireless I/F unit 248, and performs wireless connection to master device10, sensor 40, and camera 30 by using a wireless method such as DECT.

Slave device 20 includes audio bus 255, sound input/output control unit243, speaker 252, and microphone 251, and performs input and output ofsound to and from an external device.

Slave device 20 includes secondary battery 250. Secondary battery 250 isrechargeable battery, and supplies power to each unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration ofcamera 30. Indoor camera 30A and monitoring camera 30B as examples ofcameras 30 have substantially the same configuration as each other.Camera 30 includes control unit 309, storage unit 303, and operationunit 305. Camera 30 performs an operation related to image capturing andalso receives input operations.

Camera 30 includes DECT protocol control unit 317 and DECT wireless I/Funit 318, and performs wireless connection to master device 10 by usinga wireless method such as DECT.

Camera 30 includes wireless LAN control unit 321 and wireless LANcommunication I/F unit 322, and transmits and receives image data andaudio data to and from master device 10, smartphone 50, and the like viawireless router 60 connected over the wireless LAN.

Camera 30 includes audio bus 307, sound input/output control unit 304,speaker 329, and microphone 328, and performs input and output of soundto and from an external device.

Camera 30 includes image capturing unit 312, image memory control unit316, and image memory 315, and stores image data captured by imagecapturing unit 312 in image memory 315. Image capturing unit 312 has alens and an imaging element (for example, an image sensor such as acharged coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxidesemiconductor (CMOS)).

Camera 30 integrally has infrared sensor 313 which is a passive infrared(PIR) sensor as a human sensor built thereinto. Infrared sensor 313detects the presence of a person by detecting a change in heat (infraredray) generated by the person. Camera 30 includes a power source unit 314which is constituted by a commercial AC power source.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration ofsensor 40. Sensor 40 includes control unit 447, storage unit 442,display lamp 445, and sensor unit 453. Sensor 40 performs apredetermined detection operation, such as turning on display lamp 445,in a case where a target (for example, an intruder which is also thesame for the following description) is detected.

Sensor 40 includes DECT protocol control unit 449 and DECT wireless I/Funit 448, and performs wireless connection to master device 10 by usinga wireless method such as DECT, and sends sensor detection informationto master device 10 when a target is detected.

Sensor unit 453 differs depending on the kind of sensor 40. For example,in a case of human sensors 40A and 40B, sensor unit 453 is a PIR sensorwhich detects a person through a change in infrared rays. In a case ofopening/closing sensor 40D which detects opening and closing of a frontdoor, a window, or the like, sensor unit 453 is a reed switch whichswitches between turned-on and turned-off states due to opening andclosing. In a case of smoke sensor 40C, sensor unit 453 is a lightemitting/receiving unit which detects smoke when emitted light isblocked by the smoke.

Secondary battery 450 is a rechargeable battery and supplies power toeach unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration ofsmartphone 50. Smartphone 50 includes control unit 506, storage unit504, and display/operation unit (touch panel) 503. Smartphone 50receives various input operations and displays information such as animage on display/operation unit 503. A monitoring function controlportion 514 which can set a function of camera 30 is built into controlunit 506 as will be described later. Display/operation unit 503, whichis a display/input unit into which a display unit and an operation unitare integrated, displays information such as an image or an icon on ascreen, and receives a tap operation (or a touch operation) on a screenperformed by a user.

Smartphone 50 includes 3G protocol control unit 502 and 3G wireless I/Funit 501, and performs wireless connection to mobile phone 70 or othersmartphones connected to mobile phone network 75, by using a thirdgeneration (3G) wireless communication method.

Smartphone 50 includes audio bus 515, sound input/output control unit505, speaker 513, and microphone 512, and performs input and output ofsound to and from an external device.

Smartphone 50 includes wireless LAN control unit 507 and wireless LANcommunication I/F unit 508, and transmits and receives image data andaudio data to and from master device 10, camera 30, and the like viawireless router 60 connected over the wireless LAN.

Smartphone 50 includes USB communication I/F unit 511, and transmits andreceives data to and from an apparatus, a memory, or the like having aninterface of a universal serial bus (USB) standard.

Smartphone 50 includes secondary battery 550. Secondary battery 550 is arechargeable battery and supplies power to each unit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration ofsmart plug 80. Smart plug 80 is connected to the camera or otherapparatuses.

Smart plug 80 includes control unit 847, storage unit 842, and displayunit 845 having a display lamp. For example, On (power supply) and Off(power supply cutoff) condition settings which can be set or changed bysmart plug 80 performing communication with smartphone 50 or masterdevice 10 are registered in storage unit 842.

Smart plug 80 includes DECT protocol control unit 849 and DECT wirelessI/F unit 848, and performs wireless connection to master device 10 byusing a wireless method such as DECT, and switches supply and cutoff ofcommercial AC power to each apparatus connected to smart plug 80.

Smart plug 80 includes switch unit 850. Switch unit 850 performsconnection or disconnection between plug terminals 851 and socketterminals 852. Switch unit 850 is driven by solenoid coil 853. Switchunit 850 is closed when a driving current flows through solenoid coil853 from an AC power source, and thus plug terminals 851 areelectrically connected to socket terminals 852. Switch unit 854 causes adriving current to or not to flow through solenoid coil 853 under thecontrol of control unit 847.

Current detection element 855 is provided between plug terminals 851 andswitch unit 850. When a current flows between plug terminals 851 andsocket terminals 852, current detection element 855 detects the currentand sends a detection signal to control unit 847. Plug terminals 851 maybe connected to various apparatuses (for example, lighting equipment, anair conditioner, and electronic apparatuses).

Next, an operation of monitoring camera system 5 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example ofmonitoring camera system 5 in a case where smartphone 50 acquires imagedata or audio data from camera 30 and then outputs the data.

For example, it is assumed that a home security applicationcorresponding to monitoring camera system 5 is installed in smartphone50 in advance, and this application is activated by a user's inputoperation.

If detection information (information regarding detection performed by,for example, sensor unit 453 of each sensor 40 or infrared sensor 313 ofcamera 30) for a predetermined trigger operation is acquired (step S1),master device 10 performs a wireless communication connection tosmartphone 50 by using a wireless LAN (step S2). If the wireless LANconnection to smartphone 50 has been completed, master device 10transmits the detection information (refer to the above description) forthe predetermined trigger operation to smartphone 50 (step S3).

If an image/audio data output instruction operation is received from theuser (step S4), smartphone 50 transmits image/audio data transmissionrequest information (step S5). If the image/audio data transmissionrequest information is received from smartphone 50, master device 10requests camera 30 to transmit image/audio data (step S6).

Master device 10 may transmit the detection information (refer to theabove description) for the predetermined trigger operation to smartphone50 and may also request camera 30 to transmit image/audio data (stepS6).

If the image/audio data transmission request is received from masterdevice 10, camera 30 performs a wireless communication connection tomaster device 10 by using the wireless LAN, and acquires image datacaptured by image capturing unit 312 and audio data collected bymicrophone 328 and transmits the data to master device 10 (step S7).Master device 10 transmits the image data and the audio data transmittedfrom camera 30 to smartphone 50 (step S8).

Smartphone 50 displays the image data transmitted from master device 10on display/operation unit 503, and outputs the audio data transmittedfrom master device 10 from speaker 513 (step S9). Consequently, the userof smartphone 50 can display a monitoring screen including the imagedata from camera 30 and outputs the audio data from camera 30 as sound.The monitoring screen may include image data from the plurality ofcameras 30.

Next, a description will be made of an example in which smartphone 50sets setup information in master device 10.

Smartphone 50 specifies an operation of master device 10 in a case wheremaster device 10 receives sensor detection information from at least onecamera 30, at least one sensor 40, or the like. Smartphone 50 receivesan input operation performed on display/operation unit 503 by a user U1,and generates information regarding a combination of apparatuses (camera30 and sensor 40) which transmit sensor detection information to masterdevice 10 and information regarding an operation of master device 10performed on the combination as setup information (for example, setuptable TB1). FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of asetting screen W1 of smartphone 50 for generating setup table TB1.

Monitoring camera 30B and sensors 40 (for example, sensor 1, sensor 2,sensor 3, and sensor 4) are registered in setup table TB1 as examples ofapparatuses which detect various events. Monitoring camera 30B isprovided, for example, around a door used when the user gets in and outof house 8. Sensor 1 is provided at, for example, an entrance of house8. Sensor 2 is provided in, for example, a living room of house 8.Sensor 3 is provided in, for example, a bedroom of house 8. Theentrance, the living room, and the bedroom are located in the firstfloor of house 8. Sensor 4 is provided in, for example, at least one ofrooms in the second floor of house 8. Sensors 1 to 4 may be humansensors 40A and 40B, smoke sensor 40C, and opening/closing sensor 40D,and may be other sensors. Information pieces regarding installationlocations of sensors 1 to 4 are correlated with, for example,identification information pieces of sensors 1 to 4, and are held inmaster device 10 or the like.

In setup table TB1, operations of master device 10 include, for example,an instruction for causing smart plug 80 provided at the entrance tosupply power (indicated by “entrance ON” in FIG. 9), an instruction forcausing smart plug 80 provided in the first floor to supply power(indicated by “first floor ON” in FIG. 9), and an instruction forcausing smart plug 80 provided in the second floor to supply power(indicated by “second floor ON” in FIG. 9). Operations of master device10 include, for example, an instruction for causing smart plugs 80provided in house 8 including the entrance, the first floor, and thesecond floor to supply power (indicated by “all ON” in FIG. 9), and anon-instruction for causing smart plugs 80 provided in house 8 includingthe entrance, the first floor, and the second floor to supply power(indicated by “non-instruction” in FIG. 9).

Smart plugs 80 supply power to various apparatuses connected to smartplugs 80 on the basis of a power supply instruction from master device10. When power is supplied by smart plugs 80, power is supplied tovarious apparatuses (for example, lighting equipment and an airconditioner) connected to smart plugs 80, and the various apparatusesoperate. Smart plugs 80 are provided at respective locations (forexample, an entrance, the first floor, and respective rooms passages ofthe second floor) of house 8. A plurality of smart plugs 80 may beprovided in each room.

When the generation of the setup information has been completed,smartphone 50 transmits the setup information to master device 10. Ifthe setup information is acquired from smartphone 50, master device 10stores the setup information in storage unit 103. If sensoridentification information of sensors 1 to 4 or sensor detectioninformation indicating that various events have been detected isreceived from monitoring camera 30B or sensors 1 to 4, master device 10refers to the setup information and executes an operation correspondingto a combination of apparatuses which have detected the event. FIG. 10is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of generated setup tableTB1. Events may include, for example, a person detection event, a smokedetection event, and an opening event of an entrance door or a window,and may include other events.

Master device 10 acquires sensor detection information indicating that aperson has been detected from monitoring camera 30B, for example. Inthis case, monitoring camera 30B determines the presence or absence of aperson in a captured image, for example, through a predetermined imageprocess, and notifies master device 10 of the sensor detectioninformation including a determination result.

Master device 10 acquires, for example, sensor detection informationindicating that a person has been detected, sensor detection informationindicating that smoke has been detected, or sensor detection informationindicating that the entrance door or the window is open, from any one ofsensors 1 to 4.

If sensor detection information is acquired from monitoring camera 30Bor sensor 40, master device 10 performs control so that all or some ofthe smart plugs 80 supply power or do not supply power according to acombination of apparatuses which have transmitted the sensor detectioninformation.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, in setup table TB1, in a case where masterdevice 10 does not receive sensor detection information from sensors 1to 4 but receives sensor detection information from monitoring camera30B, master device 10 does not instruct smart plugs 80 provided in house8 to supply power. Consequently, it is possible to prevent power sourcesof the various apparatuses of house 8 from being turned on and thus theapparatuses from being activated in a case where there is simply aperson around the door, or there is a person passing the vicinity of thedoor.

In a case where master device 10 does not receive sensor detectioninformation from sensors 2 to 4 but receives sensor detectioninformation from monitoring camera 30B and sensor 1, master device 10instructs smart plug 80 provided at the entrance to supply power. Adifference between time points at which sensor detection informationpieces are received from monitoring camera 30B and sensor 1 is within apredetermined time T1 (for example, five minutes). Here, in a case wherea person is detected around the door by monitoring camera 30B, and anevent is detected at the entrance by sensor 1 within the predeterminedtime T1, for example, this is considered as a typical behavior (regularroute) of a dweller when the dweller returns home. In this case, masterdevice 10 causes smart plug 80 of the entrance to supply power, and thusvarious apparatuses can be activated without a user's operation, andthus it is possible to improve user's convenience.

In a case where an event is detected at the entrance by sensor 1 and aperson is detected around the door by monitoring camera 30B within thepredetermined time T1, for example, this is considered as a typicalbehavior (regular route) of a dweller when the dweller is out, and thusmaster device 10 and smart plug 80 can perform the same operation asdescribed above. Therefore, an order of detection of an event may not betaken into consideration in determination of necessity of power supplyof smart plug 80.

In a case where master device 10 does not receive sensor detectioninformation from sensors 3 and 4 but receives sensor detectioninformation from monitoring camera 30B and sensors 1 and 2, masterdevice 10 instructs smart plugs 80 provided in the first floor to supplypower. A difference between time points at which sensor detectioninformation pieces are received from monitoring camera 30B and sensors 1and 2 is within a predetermined time T1 (for example, five minutes).Here, in a case where a person is detected around the door by monitoringcamera 30B, and an event is detected at the entrance by sensor 1 and anevent is detected at the living room by sensor 2 within thepredetermined time T1, for example, this is considered as a typicalbehavior of a dweller when the dweller returns home. In this case,master device 10 causes smart plugs 80 of the first floor including theliving room to supply power, and thus various apparatuses can beactivated without a user's operation, and thus it is possible to improveuser's convenience.

In a case where master device 10 does not receive sensor detectioninformation from sensors 2 and 4 but receives sensor detectioninformation from monitoring camera 30B and sensors 1 and 3, masterdevice 10 instructs smart plugs 80 provided in the first floor to supplypower. A difference between time points at which sensor detectioninformation pieces are received from monitoring camera 30B and sensors 1and 3 is within a predetermined time T1 (for example, five minutes).Here, in a case where a person is detected around the door by monitoringcamera 30B, and an event is detected at the entrance by sensor 1 and anevent is detected at the bedroom by sensor 3 within the predeterminedtime T1, for example, this is considered as a typical behavior of adweller when the dweller returns home. In this case, master device 10causes smart plugs 80 of the first floor including the bedroom to supplypower, and thus various apparatuses can be activated without a user'soperation, and thus it is possible to improve user's convenience.

In a case where master device 10 does not receive sensor detectioninformation from sensors 2 and 3 but receives sensor detectioninformation from monitoring camera 30B and sensors 1 and 4, masterdevice 10 instructs smart plugs 80 provided in the second floor tosupply power. A difference between time points at which sensor detectioninformation pieces are received from monitoring camera 30B and sensors 1and 4 is within a predetermined time T1 (for example, five minutes).Here, in a case where a person is detected around the door by monitoringcamera 30B, and an event is detected at the entrance by sensor 1 and anevent is detected in the second floor by sensor 4 within thepredetermined time T1, for example, this is considered as a typicalbehavior of a dweller when the dweller returns home. In this case,master device 10 causes smart plugs 80 of the second floor to supplypower, and thus various apparatuses can be activated without a user'soperation, and thus it is possible to improve user's convenience.

In a case where master device 10 does not receive sensor detectioninformation from monitoring camera 30B and sensors 1, 3 and 4 butreceives sensor detection information from sensor 2, the master device10 does not instruct smart plugs 80 provided in house 8 to supply power.Here, in a case where a person is not detected around the door bymonitoring camera 30B, and an event is suddenly detected at the livingroom by sensor 2, for example, this is different from a typical behaviorof a dweller when the dweller returns home. In this case, since there isa possibility that a suspicious person may enter the living room fromhalfway without using the regular route, master device 10 causes smartplugs 80 of house 8 not to supply power, and thus it is possible toprevent various apparatuses from being activated unintentionally.

In a case where master device 10 does not receive sensor detectioninformation from monitoring camera 30B and sensors 1, 2 and 4 butreceives sensor detection information from sensor 3, master device 10does not instruct smart plugs 80 provided in house 8 to supply power.Here, in a case where a person is not detected around the door bymonitoring camera 30B, and an event is suddenly detected at the bedroomby sensor 3, for example, this is different from a typical behavior of adweller when the dweller returns home. In this case, since there is apossibility that a suspicious person may enter the bedroom from halfwaywithout using the regular route, master device 10 causes smart plugs 80of house 8 not to supply power, and thus it is possible to preventvarious apparatuses from being activated unintentionally.

In a case where master device 10 does not receive sensor detectioninformation from monitoring camera 30B and sensors 1 to 3 but receivessensor detection information from sensor 4, master device 10 does notinstruct smart plugs 80 provided in house 8 to supply power. Here, in acase where a person is not detected around the door by monitoring camera30B, and an event is suddenly detected in the second floor by sensor 4,for example, this is different from a typical behavior of a dweller whenthe dweller returns home. In this case, since there is a possibilitythat a suspicious person may enter the second floor from halfway withoutusing the regular route, master device 10 causes smart plugs 80 of house8 not to supply power, and thus it is possible to prevent variousapparatuses from being activated unintentionally.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation example ofmonitoring camera system 5 when setup information is set and variousevents are detected.

First, smartphone 50 generates setup information (for example, setuptable TB1), for example, through the generation procedure illustrated inFIG. 9 (step S101), and transmits an instruction (setup instruction) forpreserving the setup information in master device 10 to master device 10(step S102). If the setup instruction is received from smartphone 50,master device 10 preserves the setup information in storage unit 103 orthe like (step S103).

After the setup information is preserved in master device 10, masterdevice 10 performs predetermined operations in relation to variousevents.

For example, if an event is detected (for example, person detection)(step S104), monitoring camera 30B transmits sensor detectioninformation to master device 10 (step S105). If the sensor detectioninformation is received from monitoring camera 30B and then other sensordetection information pieces are not received within the predeterminedtime T1, master device 10 refers to the setup information and does notinstruct smart plugs 80 provided in house 8 to supply power on the basisof the sensor detection information from monitoring camera 30B (stepS106).

For example, if an event is detected (for example, person detection)(step S107), monitoring camera 30B transmits sensor detectioninformation to master device 10 (step S108). If an event is detected(for example, person detection) (step S109), sensor 1 transmits sensordetection information to master device 10 (step S110). If the sensordetection information from monitoring camera 30B and the sensordetection information from sensor 1 are received within thepredetermined time T1, master device 10 refers to the setup informationand instructs smart plug 80 provided at the entrance to supply power (ONinstruction) (step S111). If the instruction from master device 10 isreceived, smart plug 80 provided at the entrance supplies power tovarious apparatuses connected to smart plug 80.

For example, if an event is detected (for example, person detection)(step S112), monitoring camera 30B transmits sensor detectioninformation to master device 10 (step S113). If an event is detected(for example, person detection) (step S114), sensor 1 transmits sensordetection information to master device 10 (step S115). If an event isdetected (for example, person detection) (step S116), sensor 2 transmitssensor detection information to master device 10 (step S117). If sensordetection information pieces from monitoring camera 30B, and sensors 1and 2 are received within the predetermined time T1, master device 10refers to the setup information and instructs smart plug 80 provided inthe first floor to supply power (ON instruction) (step S118). If theinstruction from master device 10 is received, smart plug 80 provided inthe first floor supplies power to various apparatuses connected to smartplug 80.

For example, if an event is detected (for example, person detection)(step S119), sensor 3 transmits sensor detection information to masterdevice 10 (step S120). In a case where the sensor detection informationis received from sensor 3 and then other sensor detection informationpieces are not received within the predetermined time T1, master device10 refers to the setup information and does not instruct smart plugs 80provided in house 8 to supply power on the basis of the sensor detectioninformation from sensor 3 (step S121).

As mentioned above, in monitoring camera system 5, for example, in asystem including a plurality of sensors 40 and cameras 30, a user canset timing for starting power supply of smart plug 80 in a state inwhich the plurality of sensors 40 or cameras 30 perform detection. Inmonitoring camera system 5, it is possible to variably set a combinationof sensors 40 which cause the smart plugs to supply power when an eventis detected, and thus to provide a system which is convenient to use.Particularly, it is possible to turn on lamps or the like in a necessaryarea such as from the entrance to the living room or from the entranceto the second floor. For example, in a case where a dweller temporarilyreturns to house 8 for something left behind and is out again, it ispossible to prevent unnecessary lamps or the like from being turned on.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration of theembodiment, and is applicable to any configuration which can realizefunctions recited in the claims or functions of the configuration of thepresent embodiment.

The above-described embodiment has exemplified that master device 10determines whether or not power supply is performed on the basis of thesetup information, but master device 10 may determines whether or notcutoff of power supply is performed. For example, in a case where masterdevice 10 can determine timing at which a dweller is out according to acombination of event detections of sensors 40, master device 10 mayinstruct smart plug 80 to cut off power supply. Consequently, it ispossible to cut off operations of various apparatuses without a user'soperation and thus to improve user's convenience.

In the above-described embodiment, a single monitoring camera 30B hasbeen exemplified as camera 30 which detects an event and is registeredin setup table TB1, but a plurality of monitoring cameras 30B may beused. Camera 30 registered in setup table TB1 may be one or more cameras30 other than monitoring camera 30B. In other words, for example, anyone of rooms of house 8 may be an event detection target of indoorcamera 30.

In the above-described embodiment, a description has been made of anexample in which sensors 40 are provided at the entrance, the firstfloor, and the second floor, but sensors 40 may be provided at otherlocations (for example, other floors, outdoor locations (a garden or thelike)).

The above-described embodiment has exemplified a combination in a casewhere the number of sensors 40 which detect events is three or less, buta combination of four or more sensors 40 may be considered.

As mentioned above, monitoring camera system 5 includes at least onesensor 40, at least one camera 30, smart plug 80, master device 10, andsmartphone 50. Camera 30 includes microphone 328, speaker 329, and imagecapturing unit 312. Smart plug 80 has a call function, and suppliespower to a connected apparatus or cuts off the supply of power thereto.Master device 10 can perform communication with camera 30, sensor 40,and smart plug 80, and is connected to fixed telephone network 85 so asto perform fixed telephone 800. Smartphone 50 can perform wirelesscommunication with master device 10 by using the wireless router, and isconnected to mobile phone 70 via mobile phone network 75. Master device10 instructs smart plug 80 to supply power depending on whether or notan event is detected by at least two of sensors 40 and cameras 30, andsmart plug 80 supplies power to a connected apparatus on the basis of apower supply instruction from master device 10.

Monitoring camera system 5 is an example of a monitoring system. Camera30 is an example of a monitoring camera. Smart plug 80 is an example ofa power control apparatus. Smartphone 50 is an example of a mobile phoneterminal.

Consequently, a dedicated system is not necessary, and monitoring camerasystem 5 can be built by using existing sensor 40, camera 30, andsmartphone 50. Therefore, much labor and cost are not required tointroduce monitoring camera system 5. For example, even in a case wherea single sensor 40 is used and detection accuracy is low, since variousapparatuses can be activated according to a plurality of sensordetections, it is possible to improve user's convenience without a userperforming a special operation.

In monitoring camera system 5, smartphone 50 may generate setupinformation in which an operation of master device 10 is specifieddepending on whether or not sensor 40 and camera 30 detect an event andmay transmit the setup information to master device 10. Master device 10may receive and preserve the setup information from smartphone 50 andmay operate according to the setup information.

Consequently, a user of smartphone 50 can arbitrarily set a behavior ofmaster device 10 after an event is detected on the basis of which camera30 or sensor 40 has detected the event.

In monitoring camera system 5, master device 10 may designate smart plug80 which is instructed to supply power according to an installationlocation of sensor 40 or camera 30 which has detected an event, and mayinstruct the designated smart plug 80 to supply power depending onwhether or not an event is detected by at least two of sensors 40 andcameras 30. Designated smart plug 80 may supply power to a connectedapparatus on the basis of the power supply instruction from masterdevice 10.

Consequently, it is possible to designate a location where variousapparatuses are activated according to, for example, a behavior or adweller and thus to improve user's convenience. Power is not supplied toapparatuses at a location where a dweller is estimated not to bepresent, and thus it is possible to reduce power consumption.

In monitoring camera system 5, master device 10 may instruct smart plug80 to cut off the supply of power depending on whether or not an eventis detected by at least two of sensors 40 and cameras 30. Smart plug 80may cut off the supply of power to a connected apparatus on the basis ofthe power supply cutoff instruction from master device 10.

Consequently, for example, even in a case where a single sensor 40 isused and detection accuracy is low, since operations of variousapparatuses can be stopped according to a plurality of sensordetections, it is possible to improve user's convenience without a userperforming a special operation. For example, even in a case where a userforgets turning off a power source of an apparatus when the user is out,it is possible to turn off the power source of the apparatus accordingto detection of a sensor, and thus to reduce power consumption.

What is claimed is:
 1. A monitoring system comprising: a plurality ofsensors each configured to detect a defined event, a power controllerconnectable via a plug terminal to an electronic device to supply poweror stop supply of power to the electronic device; and a master devicethat, in operation, performs wireless communication with the pluralityof sensors and the power controller and is connected to a fixedtelephone network to communicate with other fixed telephones, whereinthe master device includes a memory device, wherein the master device,in operation, receives operation setting information, via a wirelessrouter, from a smartphone that is communicably connectable to a mobilephone network to communicate with other mobile telephones, wherein theoperation setting information defines how the power controller operatesin response to a combination of at least two detection signals receivedfrom at least two of the sensors having detected at least two definedevents, the master device, when receiving the operation settinginformation, stores the operation setting information in the memorydevice, the master device, when receiving the at least two detectionsignals from the at least two of the sensors having detected the atleast two defined events and according to the operation settinginformation, transmits a power supply instruction to the powercontroller, and the power controller, based on the power supplyinstruction received from the master device, supplies power to theconnected electronic device.
 2. The monitoring system of claim 1,wherein the master device, in operation, sets the combination of atleast two detection signals, in response to which the power supplyinstruction is transmitted.
 3. The monitoring system of claim 2, whereinthe master device transmits a stop power supply instruction to the powercontroller depending on whether a combination of at least two detectionsignals received from at least two of the sensors having detected atleast two defined events is present or absent, and the power controller,based on the stop power supply instruction received from the masterdevice, stops supply of power to the connected electronic device.
 4. Themonitoring system of claim 1, wherein the master device transmits a stoppower supply instruction to the power controller depending on whether acombination of at least two detection signals received from at least twoof the sensors having detected at least two defined events is present orabsent, and the power controller, based on the stop power supplyinstruction received from the master device, stops supply of power tothe connected electronic device.
 5. The monitoring system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of sensors include two or more of a human sensor,a smoke sensor, and an opening/closing sensor.
 6. The monitoring systemof claim 1, wherein the master device performs wireless communicationwith the plurality of sensors and the power controller according to aDECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) communicationsprotocol.
 7. A monitoring method based on a monitoring system, themonitoring system comprising: (a) a plurality of sensors each configuredto detect a defined event, (b) a power controller connectable via a plugterminal to an electronic device to supply power or stop supply of powerto the electronic device; and (c) a master device that, in operation,performs wireless communication with the plurality of sensors and thepower controller and is connected to a fixed telephone network tocommunicate with other fixed telephones, wherein the master deviceincludes a memory device, the monitoring method comprising: receiving,at the master device, operation setting information, via a wirelessrouter, from a smartphone that is communicably connectable to a mobilephone network to communicate with other mobile telephones, wherein theoperation setting information defines how the power controller operatesin response to a combination of at least two detection signals receivedfrom at least two of the sensors having detected at least two definedevents, storing the operation setting information in the memory deviceof the master device, receiving, at the master device, the at least twodetection signals from the at least two of the sensors having detectedthe at least two defined events, transmitting, from the master devicethat has received the at least two detection signals and according tothe operation setting information, a power supply instruction to thepower controller, and supplying, from the power controller that hasreceived the power supply instruction, power to the connected electronicdevice.
 8. The monitoring method of claim 7, further comprising:setting, at the master device, the combination of at least two detectionsignals, in response to which the power supply instruction istransmitted.
 9. The monitoring method of claim 8, further comprising:transmitting, from the master device, a stop power supply instruction tothe power controller depending on whether a combination of at least twodetection signals received from at least two of the sensors havingdetected at least two defined events is present or absent, and stopping,at the power controller that has received the stop power supplyinstruction, supply of power to the connected electronic device.
 10. Themonitoring method of claim 7, further comprising: transmitting, from themaster device, a stop power supply instruction to the power controllerdepending on whether a combination of at least two detection signalsreceived from at least two of the sensors having detected at least twodefined events is present or absent, and stopping, at the powercontroller that has received the stop power supply instruction, supplyof power to the connected electronic device.
 11. The monitoring methodof claim 7, wherein the plurality of sensors include two or more of ahuman sensor, a smoke sensor, and an opening/closing sensor.
 12. Themonitoring method of claim 7, wherein the master device performswireless communication with the plurality of sensors and the powercontroller according to a DECT (Digital Enhanced CordlessTelecommunications) communications protocol.